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Showing posts with the label #video

"More of You" by Michael Encarnacion: When You’re Too Weak to Pray, Pray This

We've all been there, those situations in life when our prayers feel empty, our strength is gone, and all we can whisper is, "Lord, I need more of You." That's the real heart of Michael Encarnacion's song, "More of You." Michael shares, "This song came during a time when someone close to me was drifting away, and I didn't know what to do, I tried everything in my power but realized I couldn't do this on my own."   When we've reached a point where it doesn't matter what we do or what we can say, we still have the option to kneel in prayer. When we lack words to say, it's enough to pray: "Less of me. More of You."   Isn't this a truth that we all need to understand better? So, ask yourself, when life is bright, do you still want more of Him? When you're broken, do you still reach for Him? The song not only shows us a way forward to Him, but it also holds up a mirror to see our mess, "Sometimes my mind d...

"Strong" by Howard Gripp: Finding Your Boldness in Adversity

Howard Gripp's song "Strong" offers a powerful declaration about the firm foundation that can only be found in Jesus. We have all experienced those moments where doubts flood our minds and drain us. Howard Gripp also knows that feeling. He shares, "The song Strong really comes from the strength that I have found in Jesus to be able to face anything head on knowing I am not alone. Even since being saved I have faced some pretty tough times. I have learned how to lean on God to protect me when facing adversity. Before I would not have the confidence I have now to face troubled times and uncomfortable situations." You can hear that confidence in the lyrics of this song: "It's Your strength, within that makes me bold."   This isn't just a song about coping. Howard shares, "The song is really about not being alone in anything you face." When the storms hit and you feel overwhelmed, remember that "No storm can break me, for I'm Y...

"God Uses Scars" by Josh Grove: Finding Hope in Your Wounds

Have you ever wondered if your pain has purpose? What good can come out of the wounds we carry (emotional, mental, or physical)? If there is a God, then why do we need to suffer these pains? The song "God Uses Scars" by Josh Grove puts our pains and scars in a different perspective.  The key message in this song is that God turns our pain and scars into beauty, and what was meant for harm is turned into good. Josh wants everyone to know that "God never wastes our pain." In other words, every wound we carry can be turned into a purpose. Just like Jesus' scars brought redemption and salvation, our scars can testify to His love and purpose. Note the words: "can testify"  … because it requires us to look at our scars from a different angle.  The first verse points us in the right direction: "I see scars in your hearts // But I see hope in the dark // I see you and you're doubting what you are // But what I see are God's moving parts." I...

"Count Me In" by Tyler Ratcliffe: What Does It Cost to Follow?

Tyler Philip Ratcliffe just released a powerful new single called "Count Me In." It's an honest, raw anthem about saying, " I'm all in for Jesus no matter what"— even if it costs comfort, reputation, or platform. This song didn't start as a planned song. Philip shares, "Back in May, I was spending time in the book of Acts. I had gotten to a point of complacency that felt wrong with my spirit, which is weird because I was writing more songs than ever in that moment, but I felt… like a fraud. I knew I wasn't facing persecution, I wasn't hiding my Bible for safety, and I felt the voice inside saying that how dare I expect to have a space in heaven next to those who faced lifelong persecution and struggle?"   The lyrics came after Ratcliffe started to look at his own spiritual complacency. Ratcliffe continues: "That night I got out a pen and paper and began to write my prayer. I didn't think about structure, rhyming or singability,...

"I Claim - Live At SCC 25" by Red Letter Society: A Call to Embrace the Cross in a Culture of Comfort

Recorded live at the Student Collective Conference 2025, Red Letter Society's "I Claim" is a declaration of faith that can't be repeated enough! We're living in a world that often avoids talking about suffering and sacrifice; instead, we'd rather focus on personal success, achievements, temporary joys, and what others should or shouldn't be doing. And don't forget the politics (especially now as the tensions around us and in the world continue to grow). We are constantly being bombarded with emotions that pollute our minds with feelings of disgust and even of hate, causing us to forget that other people around us are also children of God. Some minds have become so polluted that they try to justify the deliberate and methodical destruction of groups of people (= children of God). (?!?) We're drifting away from God's purpose for us!  This song calls the Church back to the radical heart of discipleship. "I claim the cross / I'll suffer wi...

"Listen to Our Hearts" by Avery Stafford: When Words Fall Short of Worship

Have you ever felt something that is so profound that you can't find the right words to describe it? How do you explain a love "that goes from east to west and runs as deep as it is wide" ? How do you describe something as simple as the flavor of a strawberry? That's the beautiful tension that Avery Stafford sings about in his cover of the song "Listen To Our Hearts."  "Listen To Our Hearts" is a classic praise and worship song written by Geoff Moore and Steven Curtis Chapman. Avery Stafford recorded it for his album "Undignified" in 2004, after discussing it with a friend following a worship concert. His friend was impressed by the jazz-influenced version of this beloved song and encouraged Avery to consider recording it. This recording features Tony Bolivar (saxophone). Until now, "Listen To Our Hearts" had never been released to radio.  The lyrics are about the moment when our words fall short, when even "a thousand year...

"COME AS YOU ARE" by Chidiya Ohiagu: An Invitation to True Freedom

Imagine carrying the weight of your brokenness, feeling too shattered to seek God's help. What if there's a loving invitation waiting for you to come as you are? The song "COME AS YOU ARE" by Chidiya Ohiagu takes a closer look at Jesus' timeless invitation from Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Chidiya encourages us to trust the promise and approach God just as we are, regardless of any imperfections we have.  In the first verse, Chidiya sings, "Every broken heart // All the wounded parts // All the imperfect pieces that fall apart // He can heal them all." Nothing in our lives can possibly be too damaged for Him to repair. The chorus emphasizes the change that He creates in us, "Come as you are, you won't stay as you were." This isn't about relying on our own abilities to try to fix ourselves until we are worthy enough to reach out to God. The song is about steppi...

"Dare to Believe" by Charis B: Your Leap of Faith Is Bigger Than Your Giant

You've stood in the valley surrounded by your giants, while doubters (including your thoughts) are whispering and telling you that you can't do this! The circumstances are roaring, but your courage is shrinking. But what did David teach us? He showed us that the victory isn't found in the size of our strength! Victory is found in the depth of our faith! That's the key message of "Dare to Believe" by Charis B. The song is inspired by young David, who stepped forward with nothing but a sling and a song in his soul. Charis isn't retelling David's story, she's inviting you into it. "Nobody believed // But you and me," how often have you felt that way? Nobody else can see what God was doing in you. God equips you, and He prepares you for what is to come! You don't need approval, all you need is action. "I stepped out // With a rock and a sling // I did trust you"  … and Goliath fell. That's God's protocol! Faith isn'...

"Giver of All Things Good" by Galen Crew: The Unchanging Source of Every Gift

What if every good thing in your life leads back to a single, unchanging source? That's exactly the truth Galen Crew and co-writer Jesse Reeves share with their song "Giver of All Things Good." They ask you to take a closer look at the incredible gifts you have received in your life. It's a reminder that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change." - James 1:17 (NIV) In a world where everything is constantly changing. Whatever was sure yesterday can change in the blink of an eye. Political unrest, acts of nature, the list goes on... but God remains the same. "You never change // Your glory shines // No shadow remains // All that I have // Comes from above." Everything from the breath in our lungs to the grace that refines and purifies us comes from our Father. Galen acknowledges that all we have is "made by your hands." So, how can we best respond? Galen has that ...

"Brand New Day (20th Anniversary Edition)" by Thoughts And Notions: How Faith Rewrites Your Story

"Brand New Day (20th Anniversary Edition)" by Thoughts And Notions is a revamped song for anyone who is feeling weighed down, looking for renewed hope, or just needs a fresh start. The band reunited after years, made changes to their signature sound, and are releasing new versions of their songs. The result is a song that feels like an old friend who is reaching out in tough times and reminding us that a new morning is on the horizon no matter how dark the night was. The original version of this song was released in 2006, an uncertain time in the Philippines, and it really speaks to the heart (both then and now) with lines like "I am dreaming of a better tomorrow // Where there will be no more sorrow."  Just look around! This desire is just as relevant today as it was in 2006. It is a desire that can affect our actions through prayer and how we treat others. The lyrics also share a promise and encouragement that healing is on the horizon.  The lyrics encourage us to...

"Still Good" by Olly Kiff: Faith Refined Through Fire

Have you ever questioned God's goodness, especially when everything around you seems to be falling apart? It's been over a year since Olly's family faced a devastating house fire. Olly shares: "I remember going to church that Sunday and we were singing Goodness of God - a song I've sung hundreds of times and led many times. I suddenly found myself in that moment unable to sing and in the midst of what had happened that week I asked myself "is God still good?""   The lyrics of this song takes us along that journey from situational faith to absolute trust. We're quick to proclaim God's goodness when blessings flow, but what about when those things don't happen? As Olly puts it, "We're not quite as quick to say "the house fell through - God is good" or "I didn't get the job - God is good.""   Olly reminds us that God's goodness isn't contingent on our circumstances. Instead of letting tragedy def...

“I Got Up Again” by J.R. McEntyre: How Scars Become Testimonies

J.R. McEntyre's "I Got Up Again" is more than a song - it's a living example of hope that is found during personal struggle. J.R.'s story is one where he drifted away from the faith during his younger years. He shares: "That road led to a broken marriage, separation from my children, and trying to cope with the pain by drinking a fifth of Crown a day. I felt like a failure. But even in that dark place, God's mercy reached me, and He lifted me up." The core message of the song is a reflection of Micah 7:8: "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise." Failure just isn't an option when God's mercy comes into play. "Staring at the bottom // The devil thought he sealed the deal." J.R. wouldn't accept defeat. With "fire in my bones," he declared his resilience. The chorus rejoices: "Yes, I got up again // With Jesus by my side," emphasizing that divine strength will always trium...

"Hell Can't Have Me" by JIMMY ROCK, featuring Gregatron: Owned by the King, Not the Devil

Ever feel like darkness is closing in? "Hell Can't Have Me" by JIMMY ROCK and Gregatron cuts through that fog with a powerful, uplifting declaration of victory in Christ. This song is stamping a blood-bought eviction notice on the devil's door! We belong to Jesus, and that means that nothing - not our lives, health, family, career, peace, or thoughts - belongs to hell.  The lyrics repeat, "Hell can't have me," turning any fear we may have into foot-stomping faith.  The lyrics also explain that Jesus' blood has washed us clean, and broke every chain that is holding us down. The price He paid with His blood means that every day in our lives can be new laundry day for our soul. We belong to the King, and that's why we may sing with such confidence. The devil? He's exposed as the liar who "don't own" us. Sin has lost its grip on us because Jesus holds us. He "bought" and "freed" us through His sacrifice.  Hi...

"My Praise Will Never End" by Maria Segerholm: A Praise That Started in a Hospital Bed at 3am

Maria Segerholm's "My Praise Will Never End" tells a remarkable story how she reclaimed hope in the most unlikely place - a hospital bed at 3am, just hours after suffering a stroke. Today, September 30th, marks one year since that terrifying night, and Maria chose to release this song on this very date. Powerful, right?  The praise emerged during one the darkest moments of her life: "trial after trial may come my way, but I'm still holding on to every word You say." She wasn't going to let this uncertainty take away her worship. The "enemy" had already thrown so much at her life and she wasn't ready to let this stoke break her either.  What gets me is the first line of the bridge "May One name remain, Jesus," and this has extra meaning when you realize where it came from. Maria was facing the possibility of losing her ability to speak, so she prayed, "Lord, if I'll lose my speech, may one name remain; Jesus." Her ...

"Higher" by Jensen & Company: A Call to Lift Others Through Love

What does it really mean to lift someone up? "Higher (feat. Heidi Jensen North)" by Jensen & Company gives a clear answer to that question. The inspiration for this song comes from a young man (shown in the video) who has a beautiful ministry of prayer. He spends his free time seeking out people who are in need. He gives them a flower, a small gift, prayers, a smile, or even just an ear to listen. He looks beyond his disabilities and sees opportunities to share the love of God.  The lyrics capture this so beautifully! When hope feels like "some kind of shadow" and those challenges are lurking ahead, the message reminds us, "Don't let go, hold on in prayer." God is there to support us through every high and low… to the deepest moments of despair.  What really grabs me is the call to action. "If you see a friend standing in the road, don't walk by, take his hand so he's not alone." We are vessels of God's love when we extend ...

"Restore | Rebuild" by Action Worship: God Is Still Working and Moving Today

Have you ever felt like your church community needs a serious reboot? Another way to say it: "flogging a dead horse!" That's exactly the feeling that triggered Action Worship to write "Restore | Rebuild". This energetic song is the latest addition to their album "Songs For The House, Vol. 2". It emphasizes that "The Church is a living example // Of what God can do." "Restore | Rebuild" was written to ignite hope and unify the Church in the truth that the story of God's power is still being written. The lyrics start strong: "He's doing a new thing // Restoring, rebuilding // From ashes to glory // There's more to His story." God is changing us, taking the brokenness, turning it into something beautiful, and giving it purpose. The two choruses are a call to the Church: "The time has come // He's just begun // The Church agrees // Arise in faith // Let hearts awake // That we might see." The call ...

"Be Still (Live)" by Hope Worship: Stillness is a Verb

Does it feel like the world's spinning too fast, tension building up, and were waiting for chaos to errupt? That's exactly what triggered 'Be Still (Live)' by Hope Worship. The lyrics are inspired by Psalm 46:10 -  "Be still, and know that I am God."   The song isn't about zoning out as a way to cope with this worldly overwhelm. It encouages us to choose to trust God as a healthier alternative to zoning out. God gives us the strength and confidence we need to face our challenges with faith and resilience.  The song is like a prayer for peace in the middle of our storms. It encourages us to pause and breathe, and remember God's steady hand even when the world around us feels unstable.  The lyrics reaffirm God's character: "Always by my side," "compassion and grace," "slow to anger and faithful," and "love that never fails." It emphasizes that we may worship God in all parts of our lives, any time, any plac...

"Coming Out Of Babylon" by Robert Peterson and The Crusade: Finding Purpose and Joy in Christ

Robert Peterson had barely dusted off his drum kit when the Lord handed him a new setlist. Robert shares: "this current round of songs being created were different - they were all his - well sort of all his." He had decided it was time to offer up his talents to the Lord. Robert writes: "I was mortified at the thought of actually giving my life to Him. I didn't want to give up who I thought I was."   "Coming Out of Babylon" is the first song coming out of this change (one that was on the shelve a while pending creation of a intro). The result is a five-minute testimony that turns a trembling surrender into a victory march. As you listen, you can feel how this slow ache of "doing what I wanted to… without a fear" transitions into the realization that "I needed You - all the way."   What I enjoy about the song is that it helps to see "leaving" as the first step that is needed to following His calling for us. The chorus emph...

"Found in the Hurt" by Presence Music Band: Finding Hope When Healing is Delayed

"Found in the Hurt" by Presence Music Band is a deeply moving song, especially when you know more about the story behind this song. The song was inspired by Leah Monson's own struggles with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. It speaks to anyone who is wrestling with unanswered questions, faith, and healing. But most of all, this song offers hope, and reminds us that God's purpose often opens doors in ways that we don't immediately see or thinks was possible.  The song itself is already beautiful, and if you get a chance, I encourage you to watch the video, because the video brings the song even more to life. Seeing the people in the video and briefly hearing what God did for them really touched my heart. We have a God of miracles and too often we just take that for granted!  Leah opens the song by encouraging us to boldly pray and live out our faith. She emphasizes that it is our faith that God desires. And then comes the truth that we're not alway...

"Watching & Praying" by Calm The Storm: Where Judgment Meets Hope

Calm The Storm, a Christian band founded by A.J. Ogg in 2025, released a song called "Watching & Praying." It is a captivating song that focusses on Christ's return. A.J. shares "Calm The Storm started as a natural and logical outworking of my faith. Faith is lived, not merely reasoned or reckoned."   A.J.'s life changed in a way that he never expected in 2020. That is when he began to truly follow Jesus (which means obeying his teachings), and that decision started a radical transformation that continues to shape everything he does. He shares: "Following Him and helping others to do the same has become the focus of my life until He returns." This sets the stage for "Watching & Praying."  The song is a call to action, a commitment: "We'll be watching and praying, until You come." There is nothing passive in watching: "We'll see You coming, on the clouds one day." This is about keep watch with anticip...